Colorado Plateau Advocate magazine, Spring 2015
BY ELLEN HEYN
The snow is melting, temperatures rising, days lengthening –it’s hiking season on the Colorado Plateau! Finish your spring cleaning, dust off your hiking shoes, and hit the Utah redrock trails before it’s too hot. Try these three great canyon country hikes:
Bring a picnic – you’re headed to the park. This classic Canyonlands hike crosses sandy benches, climbs slickrock domes, and traverses several canyons, arriving at the grassy expanse known as Chesler Park. The trail loops around the perimeter, dips underground along a narrow fissure on the Joint Trail, follows a jeep road, and connects back to the main trail. Explore this hike ›
This trail epitomizes the Moab adventure scene—red rock, adrenaline, climbing and hiking routes, and breathtaking views. You weave around the rock fins known as Fisher Towers, climb to the top of a ridge, and follow it to the edge of the Onion Creek drainage. Explore this hike ›
Escape the Moab crowds on this loop route at Dead Horse Point State Park. Combine several trails and loop around the peninsula counterclockwise, enjoying panoramic views of the Colorado River below. Several optional spur trails lead to scenic overlooks. Explore this hike ›